Conn. residents can qualify for catastrophic plans

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — There is hope for Connecticut residents whose health insurance plans were canceled because they didn’t meet minimum federal coverage levels. They will be able to enroll in catastrophic plans offered by the state’s health insurance marketplace.

Access Health CT CEO Kevin Counihan said those catastrophic plans are the closest option for similar coverage.

On Thursday, the federal government announced that individuals with canceled policies wouldn’t be penalized for remaining uninsured and could have access to the special bare-bones catastrophic insurance plans.

Despite the change, Counihan said the current open enrollment deadline will not change. Individuals have until Monday to complete their application for coverage to be in place by Jan. 1. Anyone with a dropped plan must provide proof to qualify for a hardship exemption, enabling them to receive catastrophic coverage.